While trucks and vans may not get much coverage here, the all-new Nissan NV commercial vehicle lineup is certainly worth noting. Officially unveiled today at the NTEA show in St. Louis, the 2011 Nissan NV van marks the automaker’s first foray into the competitive commercial vehicle segment in North America. While Nissan is known for having having success in other markets when it comes to work vehicles, the NV will be Nissan’s first attempt to chip away at the dominance of domestic brands here in the States. Although Nissan promises a more robust lineup in the near future, the first models, which will reach Nissan showrooms this fall, are underpinned by the same chassis shared by the full-size Titan pickup and will be powered by either a 4.0-liter V6 or a 5.6-liter V8 engine. With a variety of body configurations, interior cubbies, and an array of storage options, the Nissan NV commercial van lineup should provide commercial vehicle buyers with the ultimate mobile business tool.

2011 Nissan NV Commercial Vehicle Press Release

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Mazda has long held its Zoom-Zoom tagline, but it has only been more recently that the brand has truly matched its products. Thankfully, the athletic and aggressive designs that have permeated the entire lineup won’t be going anywhere if Mazda’s current design chief has anything to do with it. Ikuo Maeda has earned a reputation not only in terms of his design skill, but also for his behavior behind the wheel. Even at the ripe age of 50, Maeda still races MX-5 Miata roadsters in his spare time. As a passionate enthusiast, and a lover of the Mazda brand, he not only will continue many of the current design trends, but Maeda also yearns to bring back the RX-7. Naturally, lucrative, high-volume cars like the upcoming Mazda2 are the current focus, but if the economy continues to improve it’s possible the much-loved RX-7 could return thanks to passionate insiders like Maeda that want to redefine the meaning of Zoom-Zoom while still embracing the past.

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Honda is known for making similar production cars based on their concept vehicle, such as the new Honda Odyssey Concept which is unlikely to be much different from the new Odyssey minivan when it arrives in showrooms. Unfortunately, we’re not so sure that Honda will ultimately produce a vehicle like the Honda 3R-C Concept, but we certainly hope they do. Designed with the urban commuter in mind, the Honda 3R-C Concept is a zero-emissions concept vehicle thanks to its all-electric powertrain. With its three wheeled configuration and sleek design it looks extremely futuristic, but the vehicle would no doubt be practical as well. Although it’s only a one seater, there’s even a lockable “boot” for storage and it would certainly be ideal for navigating the close confines of the urban jungle.

Honda 3R-C Concept Press Release

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If the Hyundai i-Flow Concept gives us an accurate look into the Korean automaker’s future, we really like what we’re seeing. Hyundai says the i-Flow Concept is a preview of a “future D-segment contender.” Clearly the concept embodies the more recent corporate design language that’s apparent on the all-new Sonata sedan and Tucson crossover, but its certainly a bit more radical than any current production model. Power is supplied by a 1.7-liter turbodiesel hybrid powertrain mated to a six speed dual clutch transmission. Not only is Hyundai developing more innovative designs, but the i-Flow Concept is yet another example of the automaker’s determination to introduce cutting edge technologies for fuel efficiency as well.

Hyundai at the Geneva Auto Show

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MINI’s first foray into the crossover vehicle segment, the 2011 Countryman, is going to finally make its debut to the public this week. Ahead of its launch at the Geneva Motor Show, an all-new promotional video for the MINI Countryman has been released and may provide insights into the upcoming advertising campaign that is likely to ensue once it makes its way to U.S. showrooms. Although much of the imagery is characteristically MINI, what’s especially interesting is that MINI seems to be trying to appeal specifically to young families for the first time.

MINI Countryman Debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show

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Although the TSX sports sedan is not the newest model in the ever-changing Acura lineup, it will soon become the most expansive model offering. Next year we’ll see the addition of the Acura TSX Hybrid, marking the luxury brand’s first hybrid model. And this year, Acura will also be adding the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. Officially announced last last year, the TSX Sport Wagon will become available this fall. Based on the Accord Touring, which is already on sale in Europe and in other markets, the TSX Sport Wagon is expected to carry the same specs of the sedan, including the 201 horsepower 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder or 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. To get a better sense of what the new Acura TSX Sport Wagon will look like, check out additional images of the Accord Touring below.

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The vehicle that put the “activity” in the sport utility vehicle nearly ten years ago is receiving a facelift for 2011. The 2011 BMW X5 SAV receives refreshed exterior and interior styling, plus the addition of new turbocharged inline-six cylinder and V8 engines mated to eight-seed automatic transmissions. Still maintaining its on-road prowess, without the pretense of extreme off-road capabilities, the 2011 X5 gets a new 300 hp and 300 lb-ft twin-scroll, single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the new base xDrive35i model. Additionally, there will also be a 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in the new xDrive50i model. These new powertrains will help the new X5 sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and 5.3 seconds, respectively. In typical BMW fashion, aesthetic updates for this midlife update remain very subtle. Starting from $46,675, the more powerful and faster 2011 BMW X5 will be available in April.

See additional details and photos of the new 2011 BMW X5 below.

2011 BMW X5 Press Release

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The all-new Nissan Patrol recently made its official debut in Abu Dhabi. While many in the US may have never heard of the Nissan Patrol full-size SUV before, it will likely make its way here as the next generation Infinti QX and/or Nissan Armada. Perhaps borrowing styling cues from the equally large and rugged 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser, the new Nissan Patrol is outfitted with plenty of posh bits including polished aluminum, wood grain paneling, and loads of tech gadgetry. Power is supplied by a 5.6-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower while mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Like every proper off-roader, the new Patrol is equipped with an advanced four-wheel drive system with driver-selectable modes for different surfaces, as well as a hydraulic body roll mitigation system, hill start assist, and hill descent control. If you’d like to see the the Nissan Patrol in the States, just wait until the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 makes its debut next month at the New York Auto Show.

All-New Nissan Patrol Press Release

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Breaking cover this before its debut at the Geneva Motor Show was the second generation 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. Although it received a modest refresh in 2008, VW’s midsize SUV has hasn’t changed much, so the new model will be a welcomed addition to this ever-changing segment. The size and overall look of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg hasn’t changed drastically, it still maintains a fresh exterior that now features the most current VW design language. But the big news with this redesign is the 460 pound drop is weight, along with the addition of powerful and fuel efficient powertrains. The 2011 Touareg is powered by a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 or a new supercharged and direct injected 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This hybrid powertain produces a combined 380 horsepower and helps the Touareg sprint from 0-62 mpg in a mere 6.5 seconds, all while delivering an estimated 29 mpg.

Look for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg to hit showrooms this spring. In the meantime find more photos, details, and videos below.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Press Release

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In addition to the Cube, Rogue, Murano, Xterra, Pathfinder, and Armada, there’s apparently still some room in Nissan’s lineup for another crossover vehicle. But from the looks of the 2011 Nissan Juke, that’s alright by us. Teased a few weeks ago as a preview to its official debut next month in Geneva, Nissan announced today that the Juke will officially be heading to the US. Confirming the news amid the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan officials stated that the Juke will hold a unique place in the lineup as it’s designed as a “a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles.” The European Juke will feature either front wheel drive or AWD, and be powered by a 187 horsepower 1.6-liter direct injected turbocharged four-cylinder or a 113-hp 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. A diesel engine will also be available, but don’t expect to see it here. Buyers will be able to choose between a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. As it promises to be “part SUV, part sports car,” we’ll be eager to see the 2011 Nissan Juke in person when it goes on sale later this year.

2011 Nissan Juke Press Release

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